My reusable grocery bags are getting to the point at which I'm going to need to replace them. I've been thinking about what the replacements will be for a while, so I thought I'd share some of my current top choices. Some of my criteria for consideration are that I'd like the bags to be washable...it would be nice if they could stand on their own...I'd like them to be big enough to reduce the need for too many bags...I'd like them to last a good, long time...+ their end of life disposal is a consideration too.

These bags from Patagonia are made of 100% organic cotton + assembled with fair-trade certified sewing. (yay!) I think they would be machine washable too (though would likely lose some of their stiffness with washing). I like that the longer straps of the bag on the left could be tucked inside to enable toting with the shorter straps. I also like the prints on these bags, because they would probably hide stains. I might be able to get by with three of the bags on the left (17 x 8 in. base), but would probably need a few more of the bags on the right (12 x 5.75 in. base).

I already have a few of these Baggu shopping bags that I use for all sorts of things...but only for toting toilet paper from the grocery store. They are inexpensive and quite durable. I could add a couple to my collection and maybe stash them in one of these pouches to keep them all together. Another pouch could hold my liberty bulk bags. I like to fold my bags up after use because they slide into my purse easily when folded, but I could decide to simply stuff the grocery bags into the pouch in order to avoid the folding.

These nylon bags are ethically made in China, + can be machine washed and hung to dry. At the end of their useful lives as bags, Baggu will take them back for recycling.

The bag on the left is from Steele Canvas. It looks very sturdy and like the ideal shape. I think I would only need 3 of them since their bases are 17 x 7 in. This bag is made in the USA from cotton canvas, but can only be spot cleaned. There is a black option to consider. These bags (especially the black ones) seem like they could possibly be the last grocery totes I'd ever have to buy.

The bag on the right is from Baggu. It has an 18 x 5 in. base, so it is on the smaller side. It is ethically made in China from recycled cotton. I would probably need at least five of them.

Sewing some grocery bags is also an option. It's quite simple to make up a bag without a pattern, but I'm finding this new pattern (left) from Merchant & Mills intriguing...especially in their dry oilskin. Without the shoulder strap, these could be great. Purlbee also has lots of lovely inspiration.

​Do you have a grocery bag system that you love? Would you choose one of these choices? Do share! :)

I've been very happy with the durability of my Eco Bags (http://www.ecobags.com/Our_Products/Canvas_Bags). I bet I've had them for a decade, maybe longer, and have washed them countless times. I've replaced the straps on a couple bags, but otherwise they continue to hold up well. That said, if I was replacing bags I'd shop the thrift stores. There always seems to be canvas bags for sale. Good luck with your decision!

Those Steele Canvas bags look very nice. The printed bags are fun, but I'd get tired of staring at the same print year after year. That said, the Patagonia bag with the fish/trident is awfully cute...

I always use the same two lightweight/flimsy nylon bags, but they're starting to wear out. I'm planning to tuck one inside the other, thus getting more life out of them/it, but will need a sturdier solution in the next few months.

We also have stretchy knit bags that I like very much, but small purchases fall through the holes.

Thank you...I feel the same about the Patagonia ones, although I feel like they are a sensible choice. I think the Steel Canvas are my favorites...just worried about the color, bc I know I'd prefer cream over black. I hear you about the nylon bags...I've mostly just used them for things other than groceries...so it's good to have the feedback about wear. I appreciate this so much- thank you, Rebekah!! :)

Reply

Mindi

8/1/2017 12:13:13 am

Hi! This post got me thing about an issue that has been plaguing me: what do you do with fabrics and clothing that are beyond repair and in such poor shape they should not be donated to, say, a thrift store for someone else to use in the same way (i.e.: donating a t-shirt that someone will buy and could wear again as a t-shirt)? I'm thinking underwear and bras that are past their prime, but also other items that may not be 100% cotton. Are there places that take these kinds of items and...maybe recycle them or help find other ways to reuse? Thanks for your ideas! :)

Hi Mindi! I love the thought process that brings us to this point! It is possible to take these items to Goodwill (but I imagine other donation sites have a connection to this sort of thing as well)...they will label these items as rags and get them to places that turn that fabric into insulation or industrial rags or carpet padding. It's great to keep fabric out of the landfill, since it can be reused. I wrote a little more about this exact issue here, if you'd like to take a look. :) http://www.fairdare.org/blog/zero-waste

Thank you for asking!! :)

Reply

mindi

8/1/2017 03:23:57 pm

Thank you so much, Jane! I thought I had read something about this on your blog (or Celia's Litterless, which is how I found you!) but I could NOT find it. I knew I didn't want to throw anything away, but I also could not imagine the poor souls at Goodwill going through my gutchies! Hah!

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on a journey toward zero-waste, simplicity, + compassion :: daring to choose fair one choice at a time